Mig Welder For Kit Car?

[the_big_1]

Hi Guys,

Looking for a mig welder to weld my new kit car.
Most material is box section, 20 x 20 x 2. Some 3 mm plate too.
Was thinking inverter type?

Which of the following, or what would you suggest for around £350?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MIG-Welde...451189?hash=item2ef5177675:g:GCIAAOSwPCVX75cn

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/GYS-Easym...667887?hash=item1eb7dc022f:g:VtgAAOSw-itXvx~E

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Sherman-I...232159?hash=item33b54fb61f:g:Qy0AAOSw~oFXDh9f

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Sealey-MI...043774?hash=item51ead2f0fe:g:328AAOSwgmJXz9yV

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Blackline...012957?hash=item35f07d579d:g:y3IAAOSwMmBV3ywd

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MIG-MAG-M...091703?hash=item33b66039f7:g:4P8AAOSwoudW5wbl

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/122161336099?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

 

[cumbriasteve]

Some of those you have identified I would consider as a bit risky, rebadged no name machines and from sellers who may not offer the best after sales service.

Personally I would be reluctant to buy a machine off ebay, much preferring to deal with a recognised supplier who will help you if there are any issues.

There are a couple of guys on here who supply machines along with a forum linked supplier and all I would define as very trustworthy and would certainly buy from them, you will have to work it out for yourself though, I wish to stay impartial and they can't openly offer you machines or they get put on the naughty step.

One of the machines I like is the GYS 160, it has good reviews and will do everything you need it for, there are others of course so await replies from other members before rushing in.

Also don't forget to do a post of your kit car build, something I always fancied doing when younger but drink, women and late nights stopped me..the rest of my time I wasted

 

[Richiew]

If I was buying it would be between the R-tech and the Thermal Arc. Thermal arc is old but good quality, R tech works well and people (who have used them) like them on here.

 

[skotl]

I agree with Steve and Richie - you should be able to get an inverter unit for £350 without having to resort to ebay.

GYS, thermal arc, r-tech as above, and speak to Steve at WeldEquip (link at the top of this page).

 

[pedrobedro]

That Thermal arc 200 is a big machine not an inverter, a friend of mine has one and it is a superb welder. R-Tech, Sealey and Gys are all well known brands with their own established supply chain. What car are you building ? I know someone who built a couple of cars using a Clarke 135te and they passed what was the SVA at the time now IVA.

 

[Tom Orrow L]

I've used the GYS EasyMIG range and I've actually really enjoyed using them. All be it for general fabrication work (not building a kit car).
They're a very good price for what you get, there is a version of the EasyMIG range that has a wired in torch which significantly reduces the price.

 

[the_big_1]

Hi guys,


So it looks like GYS or R-tech seem to be the safe bets then?

The car is a Haynes Roadster, chassis parts arrived today!

 

[cumbriasteve]

Yeah I doubt you will go wrong with either of those machines, sounds a great project.

 

[Wozzaaah]

Slightly off-topic but what donor car do they suggest now?
It used to be Mk2 escort, then Sierra but I can't imagine there's that many Sierra donor cars left now.

 

[ronan]

Is there any issue with the powers that be, letting you onto the road in a homebuilt car ?

 

[Wozzaaah]

None at all once you've had it put through an IVA inspection and it's been passed.

 

[Badger1bear]

But failing that they could tear it apart and hand it back to you in a big box with no registration

 

[lexi]

The reason I learned to weld was to build a Locost 7. It was completed with the infamous SIP 130

 

[KemppiFrog]

For 20x20x2 tube, almost any half decent MIG will do it. I MMAed a couple of chassis with 25 and 2O tube, (quite carefully.. and it was 1" and 3/4" then) Dépends a bit on your experience. What-ever you choose, do practice a bit before trying the chassis. The one I did in '74 is still in competition.

 

[pedrobedro]

Slightly off-topic but what donor car do they suggest now?
It used to be Mk2 escort, then Sierra but I can't imagine there's that many Sierra donor cars left now.

There's a version that uses the MX5 as donor now. The one that used the mk2 Escorts was the Locost. The inspection is not a destructive test they will not destroy your car. If it doesn't look safe you will be sent away to put it right.

 

[the_big_1]

Hi Guys,

I have picked up a R Tech 180 IBGT for £300.

The kit I have does the sierra install or the MX5 install.